Springfield | Priority, the women’s conference held by the Illinois Baptist State Association each spring, is still scheduled for April 24-25, 2020, pending further developments related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Local authorities in Sangamon County issued a 30-day ban on indoor meetings with more than 250 in attendance, while Governor J.B. Pritzker limited meetings of more than 1,000 until May 1. The date of the Priority gathering and the expected attendance around 750 mean that the event is within a permissible window in terms of time and size. But IBSA leaders emphasize the situation is fluid, and further developments may require a new plan.
“We are exploring virtual delivery of the conference as an alternative,” said Carmen Halsey, leadership director and organizer of the popular event. “If needed, we may be able to provide an online version of Priority featuring many of our scheduled speakers that could be viewed in homes and churches.”
Future announcements by local or state officials or by the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the conference site in Springfield, could result in a creative new delivery method. “I’m excited by our line-up of speakers and the ‘Uniquely Ours’ theme. We can help women learn their special gifts for ministry and life, whether we meet in one large group or in small groups all over the state.”
Any changes to the event or its schedule will be posted at IBSA.org and on the Illinois Baptist Women’s Facebook page.
Contact: Carmen Halsey
(217) 391-3143
carmenhalsey@ibsa.org